Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1887-07-08
AFTER TWENTY YEARS.
A Story Of Few April Fools. "

Marcn, AFTER nOluln1 nlgn carnival
through the whole of his tempestuous
career, had surrendered his sceptret
with one desparing howl, and April
had entered upon the scene, bathed
in tears, without smile of greeting
for the dear old earth she had lefl
year ago.
The streets of the village were near
ly deserted, and Rodney Marston sat
alone in the Office of Marston IL Mars
ton. Presently the office boy came in
with note. II was directed to r
Marston, Esq.
docs that mean me. or Uncle Rog-
erP" said the young man to himself.
81 will open it anyway; it is probably
on business"
The note was notvery businesslike in
its appearance; neither was the thick,
creamy note-paper, on which these
words were written:
"Miss Barton wishes to see Mr..
Marston Immediately. on business of
Importance.
Rodney looked at the note thought
fully. The senior member of the firm
had gone to the city that morning, and
would return by the late train. 1t was
necessary that somebody should at
tend TO this affair and Rodney, with
all the ardor of a young barrister
resolved to answer the summons. The
firm of Marston Il Marston was
youthful one. 1t was only few weeks
before that the well-known sign, "Rog-
er Marston, Attorney -at-Law." had
been replaced by a smart new one,
indicating the recent partnership of
uncle and nephew.
Ned" said he, "where does Miss
Barton live?"
"A little out of the village in two
story white house, on the road that
goes by the Baptist church, replied
the boy.
"Oh yes, know" said young Mars
ton hastily. well, I'm obliged to go
up there, and if anybody comes-they'n
not like to on such night as this tell
them to wait
"All right, sir" said the boy.
ats rough night" muttered the
young man. rs, after donning rubber
boots and overcoat and arming himself
with huge umbrella he stepped out
into the wind and rain "but profession
al men must brave all kinds of wealth
en-" The consciousness that he be-
longed to that ill-used fraternity gave
him an exalted sense of misery unat-
tainable by common mortals.
Half an hour after, dripping, for
lorn-looking figure presents itself mt
the two-story house and rang the bell
vigorously. No answer, another peal
followed. Presently the door was
oaened cautiously few inches, and
one eye, belonging to half human
face. peeped timidly out.
as Miss Barton imp" inquired Rod
ney.
"Ye-yes, sir, replied a quaking voice
''but she cant see anybody tonight. "
II think she will see me. however, :"
said Marston, gaining confidence as he
scented possible mystery. 'Please
inform her that Mr.. Marston, the attor-
uer, awaits her pleasure
What does this mean, Martha"
said fresh, pleasant voice from with
in. "Let the gentleman in. whoever
he is.
Martha obeyed, and covered back
in the shadow of the hall as if she ex-
pected nothing short of instant assassi-
nation. Marston gave little heed to
her, however, for standing in the full
light of the hall lamp was dainty,
girlish figure, with the sweetest,
merriest face he had ever seen.
"You must excuse our girl; she's a
perfect coward. Pray come in sir, -
said the young lady.
Thank you; as soon as have made
myself presentable,' he replied,
removing his dripping outer gar
ments Then he was ushered into q
cosy sittingroom, where bright open
fire seemed to offer a laughing chal-
lenge to the April storm.
"My name is Marston," he began,
bowling. Pardon me, but do not adj
dress Miss Barton" half question
ingly,
II am Miss Barton" replied the
girl, with an assumption of dignity.
Now Rodney hastily formed the idea,
wading through the mud to her house,
that Miss Barton was an elderly SPINS.
ter. This bright vision, with the
laughing brown eyes. somewhat con
founded him.
ii am Miss Barton" she said again,
after moment But the one you
probably wish to see is my aunt, Mis-:
Cornelia Barton. / am sorry she i:
not at homer
Not at homer he repeated little
stupidity. 81 received an urgent sum
mons TO come M and see her